A group of Brazilian unions are suing McDonald’s Corp.’s Latin America franchisee, Arcos Dorados, alleging labor law violations that include paying less than the minimum wage and prohibiting employees from taking required breaks.

Larry Robbins of Glenview Capital Management LLC has built a “small position” in McDonald’s Corp. and suggested ways the hamburger chain’s new chief executive could boost its underperforming stock price.

Economic uncertainty at home has prompted a growing number of small businesses to turn to markets in the developing world where credit continues to flow and there's a growing appetite for American goods and services.

When it comes to social media, franchisers are making sure their franchisees speak with one voice, implementing systemwide strategies and policies on what to post and how to react to company-related chatter.

Many entrepreneurs are building so-called derivative startups, or businesses pegged to others’ success. At least half a dozen businesses have surfaced pegged to the short-term rental marketplace Airbnb.

Women tend to launch businesses with less financing than men and have more difficulty raising funding. But early data suggest that women are outperforming men in raising money via crowdfunding sites, such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

Starting a business is a lot like becoming a parent. Not only do you have to prepare for your start-up emotionally and financially, but you have to be committed to its constant needs until it's mature enough to hum along on its own. And even then (much like a child) it will always need you in some capacity, no matter how old it gets.

The improved quality of smartphone cameras has stolen customers from standalone digital cameras, but Fujifilm Holdings Corp. Chief Executive Shigetaka Komori doesn't see the need for consolidation in the camera industry.

France’s Orange is considering launching a bid to tie up with Telecom Italia in a sign that European telecommunications companies are continuing to push forward a wave of consolidation across the region.

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